The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
Something is breathing in the air
Something is moving, in the water
And the winds in you are blowing
Bring back my boy
I loved him
I loved him
Gentle flakes of snow
on the roads and the fences
And I'm fading out
I can tell it all the time
I'll go down in a flame
and wheel in the air like a swallow,
diving
Oh, you border guards
So young and handsome
in the light
Will you let me go through,
to the enemy lines
one more time?
one more time?
Hold my arm, will you
Hold my arm harder
There are islands in the sun
There are diamonds in the water
Oh..
Something is moving, in the water
And the winds in you are blowing
Bring back my boy
I loved him
I loved him
Gentle flakes of snow
on the roads and the fences
And I'm fading out
I can tell it all the time
I'll go down in a flame
and wheel in the air like a swallow,
diving
Oh, you border guards
So young and handsome
in the light
Will you let me go through,
to the enemy lines
one more time?
one more time?
Hold my arm, will you
Hold my arm harder
There are islands in the sun
There are diamonds in the water
Oh..
Lyrics submitted by lukasm
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In regards to the meaning of this song:
Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
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I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example:
"'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
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“Blue” is a song about a love that is persisting in the discomfort of the person experiencing the emotion. Ed Sheeran reflects on love lost, and although he wishes his former partner find happiness, he cannot but admit his feelings are still very much there. He expresses the realization that he might never find another on this stringed instrumental by Aaron Dessner.
I really have a strong feeling that this song isn't meant to be taken as literal events. To me it is intensely psychological symbolism.
The version I have (from the 2006 Palo Santo CD) has this lyric right after "on the roads and the fences":
my head is on fire my body's disturbed
It also omits the lyric: "to the enemy lines".
It seems to me to be more about a tortured person trying his all to feel love, but failing. The fourth verse particularly shows this.
Other songs on the CD also express this kind of gentle, passive, frustration with a woman or lover and attempting to love her. Hail Maiy is a good example.
So very powerful.